Does the vehicle REALLY have to be registered in my name and at my address?

Yes. In order to qualify for an RPZ permit, your name needs to appear on the vehicle registration and it needs to be registered at your address (SMC 11.16.315.)

What if I’m a student? Do I still have to have my name and address on the registration to get a permit?

Only non-resident students (out of state) or persons who are active military are not required to have their name and address on their vehicle registration (SMC 11.16.315.)

What qualifies as proof of residency?

Proof of residency must be dated within 30 days of the current date and must include the applicant’s name and address. Undated or “junk” mail is not considered proof of residency. Examples of proof of residency may include: recently signed Lease, rental agreement, or forms showing recent purchase of a property; utility bill, cell phone bill, bank statement, cable bill; or any official (not hand written), dated piece of mail received within the last 30 days.

I moved apartments, but still live in the same building. Is the permit on my car still valid?

RPZ permits are both vehicle and address specific. If you move (that includes moving to a different apartment in the same building) we will need to issue new permits to you at the new address. You will need to provide proof of residency for the new apartment.

If I sell my vehicle and replace it with another one, does my permit automatically transfer to the new vehicle?

RPZ Permits are both vehicle and address specific. Your license plate number is printed on the sticker. If this changes, we will need to issue a new sticker for the new vehicle. We will not issue a permit to a vehicle with a temporary registration. You may need to obtain a temporary permit for the new vehicle until the registration arrives from the dealership or the Washington State Department of Licensing. Click here for information about obtaining a temporary RPZ permit.

My license plate number changed when I renewed my vehicle tabs. How can I get a replacement sticker with the new plate number?

You will need to obtain a replacement sticker with your new plate number. Return the old sticker to our office with a copy of the new vehicle registration (showing your new plate number) and we will replace the old sticker with a new one. If we do not get the old sticker back, there is a $15.00 replacement fee.

Can I get more than one guest hang-tag?

Seattle Municipal Code restricts the number of guest permits to one (1) per household (SMC 11.16.315.)

Do I need an RPZ permit for my scooter or motorcycle?

As of January 1, 2010 scooters and motorcycles are not required to have an RPZ permit.

Do I have to put a sticker in my car window?

According to SMC 11.72.351, “It is unlawful and is a parking infraction to display an RPZ permit in an improper location on a vehicle. The RPZ permit must be affixed to the vehicle at the lower center of the rear window for which it is issued unless the vehicle is a truck, a vehicle without a rear window, has a dark-tinted rear window or a surface defroster, or where the Seattle Department of Transportation has approved an exemption, whereby the permit may, in the alternative, be placed in the lower (left-hand) corner of the driver's side front windshield.”

Can I use a guest hang-tag in my own car?

Guest permits should be used by guests or visitors who do not live at your address. It is illegal to buy, sell or transfer RPZ decals and guest permits to unauthorized persons. If a parking decal or guest permit is misused, your permit eligibility may be revoked for a period of one year and you could be subject to other municipal citations and fines up to $250.

I cannot get to your downtown office; can someone other than me submit my application in person?

So long as your proxy can provide the required documentation (signed application and proof of residency), he or she may submit your application for you. We will mail the permits to the address on the application and vehicle registration.

I lost my guest permit, what do I do?

With a written request and the replacement fee of $15.00, we can issue a new guest permit. You may submit your request in person or by mail.

I replaced my windshield and didn’t get my sticker out of the window. What do I do?

With a written request and the replacement fee of $15.00, we can issue a new decal (sticker). You may submit your request in person or by mail.

I have to be out of town for a week, can I leave my vehicle on the street while I’m out of town?

The Seattle Department of Transportation regulates the use of curb space to address competing needs, to assist in moving people and goods more efficiently, to support the vitality of business districts, and to create livable neighborhoods. Regardless of whether or not there is a sign posted, the City's Traffic Code does not allow a vehicle to be parked on a city street for longer than 72 hours. The Traffic Code also prohibits junk motor vehicles from being left on City streets (see Abandoned Vehicle Hotline). Additionally, vehicles over 80 inches wide (such as RVs, tractor trailers, and larger trucks) are prohibited from parking on most city streets (any street except those adjacent to Manufacturing or Industrial zoning) between the hours of midnight and 6:00 a.m. (SMC 11.72.440). The Seattle Police Department routinely enforces these ordinances and also responds to specific cases when alerted by complaints from the public - please use the non-emergency number (206-625-5011) to report violations.

As a first-time applicant, can I get my permit online?

Currently, we can only process renewals online. If you are a first-time applicant, you will need to either apply in person or by mail.

Can I make a payment over the phone?

We do not accept credit card payments by phone. We accept credit card payments with a VISA or MASTERCARD at our public counter on the 37th floor of the Seattle Municipal Tower.

Can I have permits for two different zones on my car?

You may only have one valid RPZ permit on your vehicle at a time.

I got a ticket but I have a valid RPZ permit in my window, what do I do?

Please contact Parking Enforcement by calling the non-emergency number for the Seattle Police Department or follow the directions on the ticket envelope to dispute the ticket.

I am disabled with a disabled parking placard (or license plate); do I need an RPZ sticker too?

You do not have to get an RPZ permit for a vehicle that displays a valid Washington State disabled parking placard or Washington State disabled license plate. For more information, please visit the Disabled Parking in the City of Seattle web page.

Why do I have to pay to park in front of my house?

Residential (i.e., “Restricted”) parking zones are established at the request of residents in neighborhoods with high parking demand generators, such as universities, hospitals, schools and business districts. While most RPZ’s allow for short-time parking for non-residents like customers or visitors, the RPZs limit the impact on residents of long-term parking by employees, commuters and students who might otherwise park their vehicles on those streets.